A New Road Ahead: Nikita Earns Her Provisional Licence 

TRACQS works with many people across remote and regional Queensland to build the skills and remove the obstacles that stand between them and work. For Nikita in Mutchilba, that obstacle was access to transport — and getting her driver’s licence was the key to unlocking new opportunities. 

Nikita has always loved the outdoors, helping her family on their farm. But living 36 kilometres from Mareeba and 73 kilometres from Kuranda without a licence, accessing employment, training, or even essential appointments meant depending on someone else for a lift. In regional communities, transport barriers like this can make finding and keeping a job incredibly challenging. 

That’s where the TRACQS Participation Options program came in. 

Building skills and confidence behind the wheel 

Nikita completed more than 15 hours of instruction in the TRACQS manual training vehicle, including two intensive training days in the Mareeba traffic area. The early lessons weren’t easy – navigating busy roads and unfamiliar traffic conditions for the first time takes real courage – but her confidence grew with each session. She showed up, put in the work, and kept going. 

On 11 March 2026, the Indigenous Drivers Licencing Unit (IDLU) visited Kuranda and it was a big day. Across the group, five participants gained their Learner Permit, and six passed their Provisional Licence test, including Nikita.  

Opening the door to employment opportunities 

With her new licence, a whole new world has opened up for Nikita. She now has access to a vehicle and can confidently explore employment opportunities that were previously out of reach. She has a strong interest in outdoor work, including roles with animals or even traffic control with RoadTek – jobs that require reliable transport and mobility. Living remotely is no longer the barrier it once was. Nikita knows the land, she’s comfortable working outdoors, and now she has the independence to get to where the work is. 

Supporting pathways to work across regional Queensland 

At TRACQS, we know that sustainable employment starts with removing real-world barriers — like access to transport. Through programs like Participation Options, we support people in remote and regional communities to build practical skills, gain confidence, and take meaningful steps toward employment. 

Congratulations to Nikita and everyone who passed on 11 March. Your determination and hard work are creating new pathways — and we’re proud to be part of the journey. We can’t wait to see where the road takes you next.